I'm really terrible at completing certain responsibilities in a timely fashion. Then they pile up. Then I get what I call "stress tummy". Plus, it's a problem because they are tasks that really do need to get done. For example: our driveway is a nightmare. It's so bad I've started advising our kids' friends to not drive up. My regular lane guy is too busy to come which means I have to find a new guy. I hate this and I'm procrastinating for two reasons. 1) I know that it's going to be crazy expensive. 2) I know that 50% Of the people I call are going to try to cheat me in some way and it's going to be exhausting to identify who and how. This is just one example. I have a summer to-do list with about 15 items on it. My problem areas seem to be getting started and getting re-started when a project gets stalled for any reason.

Actually, as I write I'm realizing it's more of a feeling of resentment that these things are taking my time and money and they cause so much stress and I just don't want to deal with the stress so I'm avoiding.

How do you get past the "But I don't want to deal with it? " mentality?

I am in a similar boat. I feel that nearly every project I've had done at my house has never just solved the problem without more problems, though not necessarily worse ones. In some ways, I should probably never have been a home owner. Then again, as of now, I haven't had any of the big nightmare problems that some people have. But I've also thought that after I retire, if I decide I want to move, I may just rent out my place here and rent in the new spot.

This being an adult sure has its drawbacks!

Count plates, not calories. Three a day. 9 years & counting
Age 65
SBMI Jan/10-30.8
Jan/12-26.8
Mar/13-24.9 Stayed at +/- 8-lb. for three years Sept/17 22.8 (but more fluctuation)
Mar/18 22.2

Secondly, a strategy I use to get big, stressful tasks done. Take the overall task that makes me anxious (e.g. "get driveway sorted" or "complete tax return") off my list. Work out the next single step task that I need to take towards the overall task, e.g. "Call Company X on number Y and ask for a quote" and put that item on my list. Complete that item. Feel like a winner Then work out the next small task and do that, and so on.

Finally, I always try doing the trickest, nastiest tasks first thing in the morning on a day I've decided. I have the most energy at the start of a day, and then if I procrastinate the rest of the day I've already achieved something. I got this idea from the old saying about eating the frog: First thing in the morning, eat one live frog - then nothing worse will happen to you for the rest of the day. So, pick out the one thing that really makes your skin crawl, pick a day, then get up and eat that slimy frog. Once you've choked him down, reward yourself with something fun or relaxing you've been putting off "until the chores are done".